McCollum backs Rybak for governor
Minnesota Congresswoman Betty McCollum announced today that she's endorsing Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak in his bid for governor.
McCollum's decision comes just three days before DFL delegates select their candidate at their state convention in Duluth. She was an early supporter of former state senator Steve Kelley, who dropped out of the DFL field in February.
Here's the Rybak campaign release with McCollum's endorsement letter:
"This weekend at the DFL State Convention in Duluth I will be supporting your endorsement for Governor of Minnesota. Your tireless energy, executive experience, and determined vision are exactly what Minnesota needs at this difficult time. Just as important, in a field of strong DFL candidates, I believe your campaign is best positioned to successfully carrying the DFL endorsement through the August primary election and on to victory in November.
"For years you have impressed me with your work. As Mayor of Minneapolis you responded to the I-35W bridge tragedy with strength, compassion, and extraordinary leadership in a time of crisis. Your effective collaboration with my office and others on the Central Corridor LRT is creating jobs and economic opportunity for our entire Metro Area. Politically, your early support and determination to campaign for President Obama inspired DFLers across Minnesota and helped elect him to the White House.
"It has been twenty-four years since Minnesota voters elected a DFL Governor. Our state needs a bold, progressive, and responsible leader - the kind of leadership you are offering the DFL. As Governor, I know I'll be able to count on you to work effectively with Congress and the White House on behalf of our families and Minnesota's future.
"Mayor Rybak, you have the ability to unite the DFL and deliver real results for Minnesota families. I am proud to be supporting your campaign for Governor."
Mayor Rybak said, "During the most difficult years of the Bush administration, Betty McCollum stood up strongly for our values and was an enormous help to mayors like me throughout Minnesota. I enjoyed campaigning with her for Barack Obama, and she has been an even bigger help to our state since President Obama took office. I look forward to campaigning with her again this year, and can't wait to be her partner in delivering more results for Minnesota families."
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